Former Championship League Snooker winner Joe Perry is looking forward to next week’s event at the Marshall Arena.
Perry, who won the inaugural Championship League Snooker event in 2008, is one of 64 players who will be heading to Stadium MK this week in advance of the behind-closed-doors tournament, which begins on June 1st.
“Competition is the main thing I am excited to get back to,” the current world number 17 told wst.tv.
“Competition and camaraderie from the fellow players are things I’ve missed greatly, so it will be great to be playing again.
“I think this tournament provides us all with something to think about really. It isn’t nice not knowing when you are ever going to be able to play again. For me personally it is just nice to have something to focus on.
“It has the enthusiasm back up and running. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and catching up with everyone, as much as social distancing allows. I don’t think you realise how much you miss something until you can’t do it anymore.”
Championship League Snooker will be the first major sporting event to take place in the UK since the Coronavirus lockdown and Perry.
“It is fantastic for snooker,” said Perry, who begins his Championship League Snooker matches on June 3rd.
“We are leading the way and that is what you want to do in sport. You want to be making ground and you want to be the innovators.
“ I knew the day would come again when we get back to some kind of normality, but I didn’t think it would be this quick. It is great testament to Barry Hearn and everything he stands for.
“It will give players an idea of what life is going to be like for a little while. The most nerve-wracking part of this upcoming tournament will be waiting for the test results. I am just keen to get going again.
“I am looking forward to seeing the viewing figures for the Championship League, as I think everybody is craving live sport.”
Click HERE to read the full interview with Joe Perry on WST.TV.
